It is hard to put this day into words. We left our hotel at 9am to drive to the Civil Affairs office to meet Li Xin Jing. When we got to the office, we expected to do some paperwork while we waited for them to bring the baby to us. Instead, we climbed a flight of stairs, came through the door and there she sat on the conference table all by herself! She seemed very happy as we approached and even began swinging her legs back and forth. What a surreal moment, here she was! I held out my hands to her and she came to me quickly. We spent some time getting to know each other while Sean signed some papers. Then he got to play with her on the floor while I signed. After, we carried her down the stairs and out into the sunshine and into her new life.

The first 24 hours we have her is called the Harmonious period, according to the Chinese government. We are trying our best to be harmonious around here! In the morning, we will finalize the adoption. In the eyes of the Chinese government, she will be Lilah-Kate Jing McCullar.

We spent the afternoon eating lunch on the top floor of our hotel overlooking Westlake and then playing in the room and taking a nap. She eats well and naps well. She has some moments of fear and anxiety, but is clinging to me and allowing me to comfort her. We just got a few REAL smiles playing peekaboo in the mirror! It has been an amazing first day, which an answer to prayer.

Tomorrow we travel to her hometown to file a document and hopefully visit her orphanage. We will be offline for these two days and will catch you up when we get back to Hangzhou. Thank you for covering us in prayer today, we appreciate it.

Praying for you guys! Eagerly anticipating your next post in 1 more day! LOL Praying your baby girl is filled with peace, gentleness, trust, and love. And continually praying that you all are adaptable, enthusiastic, and full of compassion for your journey home. LOVE LOVE LOVE!